Carolina rode a second-half surge to stun Miami 27-24 in Week 5, riding a ground-heavy attack and a sharp late rally. Bryce Young shook off early mistakes to finish 19 of 30 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which sealed it to Mitchell Evans. Rico Dowdle exploded for a career-best 206 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries, while the 2025 draft class chipped in with McMillan leading with 73 receiving yards. Carolina’s defense bottled up De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II to 14 rushing yards on 13 carries, with Rozeboom and Moehrig piling up tackles. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle totaled 110 receiving yards and Minkah Fitzpatrick added an early pick on Young. The Panthers showed resilience and depth that could reshape their fantasy upside as they eye a favorable slate ahead.

Week 5 shifts the RB landscape as byes thin the depth, elevating a pair of rookies with breakout potential while the usual anchors stay must-starts when available. Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton emerge as noteworthy waiver targets as the RB pool tightens, and a slate of proven backs like Gibbs, Achane, Taylor, and McCaffrey carry high floors with upside in favorable matchups.

Key Week 5 notes center on byes for Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh, the continued workload questions around Barkley, and a few hot hands stepping into featured roles. Fantasy managers should balance proven volume with rookie upside, targeting top-10 options and savvy flex plays who can punch above their weight in crucial matchups.